One of the things I see is that we need to first of all come up with some common understanding of what we're talking about.
Let's define terms like “occupational stress injury” or “PTSD” clearly. Let's all talk the same talk. You can talk to different groups or advocates in this area that have different definitions around common terms.
Then let's get to some common discussion about what we think those appropriate tools are or what we think those appropriate treatments or supports are for people who are suffering, so there's some consistency around that across the country. I think again that's where this body can play a significant role.
There's been lots of talk about presumptive legislation provincially, which I know doesn't fall within the jurisdiction of the federal government, but the most important piece from my perspective is what happens after. Just getting the diagnosis and the acceptance of the claim is one part of the problem, but it's what happens after.
In the example I gave you about the spouse whose husband killed himself, she herself was diagnosed with PTSD because of the circumstances around the death of her husband, and she's still paying out of pocket to get the counselling service that is helping her manage her own diagnosis. This is over a year later, and there's no mechanism for providing people with access to that counselling. In her case she's getting lots of support, but the common theme is where people don't have the financial capacity to manage that on their own. They go without.